Essex Fire Service has confirmed the large blaze at a scrap yard in Takeley is now out.

Twitter users have been reacting to the explosion, near Stansted Airport, by posting pictures of the inferno as the drama unfolded.

Our gallery shows a selection of those that were taken.

Nicole Rogers tweeted: “So there’s been an explosion in takeley and everywhere absolutely stinks of burning,” while Michael Deas wrote: “Really hope no one is hurt in takeley.”

Another tweet, from Joshua Keith, read: “Massive explosion and fire behind by house in #takeley!!!”

Dawn Wylie tweeted: “Big fire at scrapyard in #Takeley loud bangs and lots of blue lights. Keep well away.”

David Woolcott, of nearby Little Canfield, said he “felt the explosion from a mile away”.

Four crews, two from Dunmow, one from Stansted and another from Bishop’s Stortford, were called to CMC Metal Trader Ltd, on Dunmow Road, shortly before 4.30pm.

Firefighters battled the large blaze for over two hours before it was finally extinguished at about 6.45pm. Crews remain at the scene damping down and a two pump relief was preparing to take over as of 7.20pm.

Two people were treated for minor injuries.

It is believed that a number of acetylene and oxygen cylinders may have been involved in the fire but a full investigation will now be carried out to establish the exact cause.

Police closed the B1256 (Dunmow Road) in both directions between Parsonage Road (The Four Ashes) and Canfield Road. A 200-metre exclusion zone was put in place and some nearby homes evacuated.

The East of England Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team was on the scene.

Officers liaised with Stansted Airport but flights were not affected by the blaze.

• Did you see the fire? E-mail us your pictures at editor@dunmow-broadcast@archant.co.uk or Tweet us @dunmowbroadcast